Just as with a clothing wardrobe, we in the Midwest get to change our cosmetics wardrobe during the summer months. After all, it’s hot and humid—we can’t expect the same heavy creams and perfumes from the colder weather to be comfortable in the sunny days of summer. Lighter and fruitier is the way to go. Even primarily ‘spicy’ colognes can have some fruity notes, so be sure to pick carefully. With the tendency to want a little more personal space during warm weather and the ever-present hint of perspiration, any scent you use will seem exaggerated. Here are some we like.
[bond no. 9 hudson yards]
From the wildly popular New York brand that commemorates Big Apple neighborhoods comes Hudson Yards, scented with high notes of freesia, lily of the valley and pink pepper oil. Newly launched April 1.
$285 at Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom
[jo malone silk blossom]
This London line has come out with a new fruity and floral limited edition for summer. Silk Blossom simulates the scents that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, with apricot, heliotrope and moss.
$120 at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom
[carven l’eau de toilette]
The French design house Carven has added a soft floral to its popular lineup.
$79 at Saks and other fine department stores
[rance le vainqueur]
The French perfumer Rance offers Le Vainqueur, a paean to Napoleon (the vanquisher). This scent is reminiscent of the Mediterranean with mandarin, grapefruit and bergamot top notes.
$120 at Sallie Home
[kate spade live colorfully]
A bright and sweet scent, this fragrance has top notes of water lily, mandarin and star anise. It’s light but stays with you through the day.
$95 at Nordstrom and Kate Spade
[l’occitane neroli & orchidee]
A new fruity scent from Provencal nameplate L’Occitane combines exotic notes of Moroccan neroli with white orchid from Madagascar—light and delicious.
$75 at Nordstrom, L’Occitane and Sephora
[library of flowers field & flowers}
Light as a summer breeze, this fragrance is delicate and subtle—it’s for you and you alone. The packaging is sweet, too.
$56 at Mr. Guy Women’s
By Dorothy Weiner
Photo by Bill Barrett